ASTROdog
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Zimmerman MN
Well due to some more research and some new opportunities, time to start doing some serious planning. Lack of planning = open your wallet :doh: been there done that.
The background: 86 jx 2 door 2.8 5 speed. Was origionally going to keep this and work with it, but I think as soon as I'm up to it, I should muscle it up a bit.
What I'm going to use it for: Still debating this. May use it as a (possibly limited) daily driver, may end up going nuts on it and putting it down for long periods of time to do these modifications. Either way, I need it dependable and able to handle 50+ miles and road trips if I choose to use it. I would also like to be able to handle the trail, but having said that it doesn't have to be a monster.
Here's my questions:
1) I've got the opportunity to pick up a rolled 2000 blazer for an engine/trans/transfer case swap. 4.3 vortec v6 (190hp/250tq). Would the stock unibody be able to handle the additional power? I've read the origional trans and transfer case isn't that strong, and I'm also wondering if anything along the driveline at all won't be able to handle the power (axles, etc), but mostly concerned about the stamped unibody.
2) I've got to replace the floor due to rust. Should I be looking at replacing anything else while it's all apart? The rails look ok from what I've seen. I'm going to be picking up a welder within the next month so I'll be able to handle the hard stuff, even if it has to wait for me to learn. I just need a "what breaks if you don't replace/bolster it" list if one exists.
3) Should I POR15 the underside while I've got it apart to prevent more rust? Has anyone had any problem with scraping it off on rocks, etc?
4) How strong are the stock unibody rails? Is there a common strengthening technique? What's out there for roll bar assemblies?
5) I'll have a perfectly good chevy 4x4 chassis laying around if I choose to use it. Would I be better off finding a way to sit the jeep unibody on top of this? I would rather not, if there's ways to strengthen up the stock unibody rails (or if they're strong enough). I'd have to find a way to do a SFA swap on the chevy chassis, and I'd probably have issues fitting it in my garage if it was too tall right now. I only ask about the swap because the wheelbase is only 2 inches off (the blazer is a 2 door as well).
6) I'm thinking of a mild lift sooner than later; right now this thing comes closer to tucking tire than my first street truck.
http://s-seriesforum.com/albums/album320/newestpic.sized.jpg
What would be a good noob-accessable lift that would give me around 3-4 inches? For the next couple of years at least, this all has to fit into my townhouse garage so I don't want to go too tall.
7) Is there any literature I should bone up on about working with XJ's or 4x4's in general? I'm a 4x4 noob (but not a stranger to custom mechanical/electrical/general vehicular customizing).
Please post any ideas or comments about my game plan (or lack thereof), would be most appreciated before I start getting the materials in line. Thank you.
The background: 86 jx 2 door 2.8 5 speed. Was origionally going to keep this and work with it, but I think as soon as I'm up to it, I should muscle it up a bit.
What I'm going to use it for: Still debating this. May use it as a (possibly limited) daily driver, may end up going nuts on it and putting it down for long periods of time to do these modifications. Either way, I need it dependable and able to handle 50+ miles and road trips if I choose to use it. I would also like to be able to handle the trail, but having said that it doesn't have to be a monster.
Here's my questions:
1) I've got the opportunity to pick up a rolled 2000 blazer for an engine/trans/transfer case swap. 4.3 vortec v6 (190hp/250tq). Would the stock unibody be able to handle the additional power? I've read the origional trans and transfer case isn't that strong, and I'm also wondering if anything along the driveline at all won't be able to handle the power (axles, etc), but mostly concerned about the stamped unibody.
2) I've got to replace the floor due to rust. Should I be looking at replacing anything else while it's all apart? The rails look ok from what I've seen. I'm going to be picking up a welder within the next month so I'll be able to handle the hard stuff, even if it has to wait for me to learn. I just need a "what breaks if you don't replace/bolster it" list if one exists.
3) Should I POR15 the underside while I've got it apart to prevent more rust? Has anyone had any problem with scraping it off on rocks, etc?
4) How strong are the stock unibody rails? Is there a common strengthening technique? What's out there for roll bar assemblies?
5) I'll have a perfectly good chevy 4x4 chassis laying around if I choose to use it. Would I be better off finding a way to sit the jeep unibody on top of this? I would rather not, if there's ways to strengthen up the stock unibody rails (or if they're strong enough). I'd have to find a way to do a SFA swap on the chevy chassis, and I'd probably have issues fitting it in my garage if it was too tall right now. I only ask about the swap because the wheelbase is only 2 inches off (the blazer is a 2 door as well).
6) I'm thinking of a mild lift sooner than later; right now this thing comes closer to tucking tire than my first street truck.
http://s-seriesforum.com/albums/album320/newestpic.sized.jpg
What would be a good noob-accessable lift that would give me around 3-4 inches? For the next couple of years at least, this all has to fit into my townhouse garage so I don't want to go too tall.
7) Is there any literature I should bone up on about working with XJ's or 4x4's in general? I'm a 4x4 noob (but not a stranger to custom mechanical/electrical/general vehicular customizing).
Please post any ideas or comments about my game plan (or lack thereof), would be most appreciated before I start getting the materials in line. Thank you.
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